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Posts Tagged ‘Exodus International’

“Reparative Therapy,” the attempt to change a
person’s innate sexual orientation from homosexual to heterosexual, has made
the news again, though this time in a more positive way.Exodus International, a Christian organization
that urged people to repress same-sex attraction, has shut down its ministry
after 37 years.Its leader, Alan
Chambers, apologized to the gay community, admitting that “We’ve hurt people.”

In an interview with the Associated Press,
Chambers said “The church has waged the culture war, and it’s time to put the
weapons down.”Exodus International previously
claimed that gays’ sexual orientation could be permanently changed or “cured,”
despite the opposition of professional psychologists and psychiatrists who
concluded long ago that efforts to convert sexual orientation are unsuccessful
and do great psychological harm. In closing his organization, Chambers expressed
regret for inflicting “years of undue suffering.”He plans to launch a new initiative to
promote dialogue among those on opposite sides of this issue.

Repressive methods to change innate sexual
orientation are doomed to failure and may inflict irreparable harm.The fact that Alan Chambers is now publicly
acknowledging these facts is extremely encouraging.

Two earlier posts on Straight Spouse Connection examined the topic of reparative therapy
with additional background and case studies. To review that information, click Archives on the tool bar, August, 2009: Reparative Therapy Debunked—Again, August 19, 2009, and Emotional Damage of Reparative Therapy: One
Man’s Story, August 28, 2009.

Why is the news about Exodus International
important to straight spouses?It is yet
another indication that public awareness and attitudes are slowly changing regarding
the realities of sexual orientation.When society accepts all of its members, gay or straight or variations
in between, individuals can live openly and honestly. If that day ever comes,
there will be no closet of shame, no ill-fated mixed-orientation marriages
based on secrecy, no more suffering of “straight spouses.”If that day ever comes, this blogger can
retire!